National Athletic Trainers' Association
Great Lakes Athletic Trainers' Association
The Illinois State University Graduate Athletic Training Program serves to provide students with advanced knowledge in athletic training focused in the area of application of various manual therapy techniques in the prevention, evaluation, and treatment of musculoskeletal pathologies. The role of scholarship and focused disciplinary study is emphasized. This advanced knowledge prepares these graduates to think conceptually and analytically, and to positively impact professional practices and policies in their field.
The athletic training graduate sequence curriculum is focused upon critical inquiry and reasoning for certified athletic trainers. The sequence requirements incorporate a variety of teaching methods, philosophies, and experiences to facilitate practical knowledge beyond that of an entry-level athletic trainer, thereby providing the student a unique opportunity to learn different ideologies and skills within sports medicine. The acquisition of the advanced knowledge is developed in the courses, enhanced through practical skills sessions and clinical instruction of undergraduate students, and culminates with the application of research methodology.
Students who complete the athletic training sequence are well prepared for athletic training positions in a variety of settings within the sports medicine field. Recent graduates have earned positions with high schools, universities, professional sports, sports medicine clinics, hospitals, fitness clubs, research laboratories, and industrial settings. Others have continued on to earn a terminal degree in sports medicine or education.
Kevin Laudner, Ph.D., University of Pittsburgh, Coordinator of Graduate Athletic Training Education
Upper extremity pathology in the throwing athlete, shoulder pathology
Todd McLoda, Ph.D., Ohio University
Methods of preventing and treating athletic injuries, specifically the study of ankle sprains and the dynamic restraint mechanism of the ankle
Students admitted to the graduate athletic training program must complete a minimum of 33 total credit hours, including 6 credit hours in the research core, 15 credit hours in the athletic training sequence, 6 to 9 credit hours in a cognate area, and either 6 credit hours of thesis or 3 credit hours of an advisor-approved independent study project. This curriculum is outlined below:
Prospective students in the graduate athletic training program who desire an athletic training graduate assistantship should be BOC-certified by September of the first year of admission. GA positions are typically available with Illinois State Athletics, Illinois Wesleyan University Athletics, local high schools, and a local sports medicine clinic. All prospective athletic training students must also apply for Illinois Licensure as an Athletic Trainer prior to the first semester. Application materials for State licensure are available.
